Griffith Park
Griffith Park
4.5
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Monday
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Tuesday
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Wednesday
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Thursday
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Friday
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Saturday
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
Sunday
5:00 AM - 10:30 PM
About
Covering more than 4,107 acres of natural terrain, this is the largest municipal park and urban wilderness area in the United States, which offers numerous family attractions and activities.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- EdwardSanta Rosa, California3,237 contributionsHuge Park With Great Trails, Views, and Local IconsGriffith Park is a huge park in the Hollywood hills which separate central Los Angeles and Hollywood from the San Fernando Valley. It encompasses much of that range and is reputedly the largest urban park and open space in the United States. It has numerous hiking trails, trails for bicycle riding, and horseback riding, and other amenities. It also is home to the iconic Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. One can reach the park many ways, including by driving into the partly, but traffic and parking can be problematic. We avoid driving and take the DASH Observatory bus which makes a circuit through part of the park to and from Vermont and Sunset, where the is a Metro station, making it quite convenient to get to the park that way. The bus stops at, among others, the Greek Theatre, Mt Hollywood Dr on the far side of the Mt. Hollywood Tunnel, and Griffith Observatory. At Mt Hollywood Dr, there is immediate access to several hiking trails which go through the park, and also Mt. Hollywood Dr, generally open only to hiking,etc., and not to automobile traffic. This is one route to take to hike to the Hollywood Sign, and connects directly to a trail which goes up above, and behind, the sign, or to the Mulholland Trail, also used for horseback tours, which takes one to just below, and in front of, the sign. Depending on how fast one does it, the hike to and from the sign, starting at the Mt. Hollywood Dr bus stop near the observatory, should probably take between about 50 minutes to an hour and half each way. The area affords nice views of Los Angeles as well.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten February 14, 2024
- Gints KRiga, Latvia220 contributionsShort passage from zoo to Griffith observatoryAmazing Park to relax and to see Los Angelos from top. We started the trip from Los Angelos Zoo by ascending to the top of hill - there are water refill stations with fresh tasty water if you get thirsty. At the top of the hill, it was quiet, and you could relax watching eagles. As you get closer to Griffith observatory, you start to see sign of Hollywood. And from Griffith observatory there is a bus free of charge that will take you to the metro station. Griffith Park info station was kind of open, but nobody was inside, so it was more like on self-serve basis. The fun fact - after walking and walking around the park at the end we stumbled on a sign which warned about rattle snakes in park, but we did not see any snakes.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 20, 2024
- Grover RPensacola, Florida22,266 contributionsHike to Mount Hollywood is My Favorite Activity in Los AngelesOne of my favorite places on my first trip to LA was Griffith Park so I had to bring my friends. Two of the best things to see in the park are the Griffith Observatory and Mount Hollywood, which is the peak directly opposite the observatory and one of the highest points in the Hollywood Hills, so it has great views of the city. However, Mount Hollywood is not the same peak with the sign, but you do get some great views of the sign hiking between the observatory and the peak. Also parking here, there are public restrooms before you start or when you return. It is one of the perfect urban hikes at 2.5 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. There is also free parking if you go early before the observatory opens. We went on the last morning of our vacation so we could make the hike and get back to our hotel to shower before hotel check out. It is great exercise and the best way to start the day. The day we hiked was not as clear as my first visit, so the views were not as crisp. Despite this the clouds and humidity, you still had great views and this time the moisture meant there was more greenery and flower for the hike. In late March the hike was cool but not cold so simply perfect. Everyone in our group of 12 loved the hike with incredible views of the observatory, downtown and the "Hollywood" sign. I cannot recommend this more, both times it was my favorite activity in LA.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 5, 2024
- Amy MCompton, California222 contributionsGriffith Park Old Zoo Trail ( Merry Go Round Parking lots)Really nice walk with a Meetup Group. I think total we walked almost 6 miles. One of the group members knew little tidbits about the park, so it made it a better walk. The trail is moderately challenging since there are parts that are either a steep incline or decline (my foot slid a couple of times). However, I think about half of our steps were fairly level and path was very pretty clear. I felt like my tennis shoes were adequate. There was also a couple of water points and picnic areas. There were definitely some incredible views of LA and even the hillside was very lovely. Looking forward to next hike.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten June 1, 2024
- MS11M22SUnited Kingdom248 contributionsCars & CoffeeWe came to Griffith Park on a Sunday morning to partake in Cars & Coffee which occurs every month (last Sunday of the month). It’s advertised online. It was a lovely Sunday morning, easy to park & walk over to see a good selection of old and well loved vehicles from the US as well as a large number of imports. The vehicle owners were all very approachable & are clearly passionate about their cars with some immaculately presented vehicles. We spent about 90mins there, under the cool protection of the trees. A lovely morning!Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 30, 2024
- jehenson81Washington DC, District of Columbia25,942 contributionsEverything You Want in a ParkThis park has a little bit of everything in it. There are picnic areas, a playground, hiking trails, a theater and of course, the iconic Griffith Observatory. There is even a cafe and nature center on the west side of the park. There are also three parking lots and street parking. The parking lot down by the nature center is free all the time and I was able to find a spot there at 9am on a Saturday morning and there were still some spots at 11:30 when I left (for some reason people were ignoring the lots and looking for street parking). The trails are nice and wide, though I would have appreciated more signage. I had a great time.Visited September 2024Traveled soloWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Wander & Wonder
Singapore, Singapore1,698 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
The Griffith Park is a hiking area on Mount Hollywood where the Griffith Observatory and Hollywood Sign sits. Many visitors and locals go for hike there and stay till evening to watch the LA city lights as the sun sets. Very nice view from here. Also this is where you get real close to the Hollywood sign. Must visit and see.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shanelle
Santa Monica, CA8,184 contributions
Sep 2020 • Friends
Popular recreational area with a bunch of interconnecting hiking trails. Some of the trails are out-and-back, but you have the option of taking a quick hike or extending your trail to take up a full day. The trails are exposed so bring lots of water and wear sunscreen. The trails are popular, particularly on weekends, so try getting there earlier. There are a few picnic tables/benches scattered around. No bathrooms unless you head over to the Observatory. Dogs are allowed on leashes.
There are parking lots by the Greek Theater (free) as well as street parking, or you can park up by the Observatory ($15 per hour). There’s a separate lane for ride share so you could get dropped off in front of the Observatory (currently closed during covid). You could chill at one of the green spaces and have a picnic (Jitlada is only a 1.5 mi/10 min drive away!) or just enjoy some urban nature. You can see the hollywood sign or take in views of Downtown or Burbank (assuming there’s no smog or wildfire smoke). Griffith Park is LA’s answer to Central Park, and good for both locals and tourists alike.
There are parking lots by the Greek Theater (free) as well as street parking, or you can park up by the Observatory ($15 per hour). There’s a separate lane for ride share so you could get dropped off in front of the Observatory (currently closed during covid). You could chill at one of the green spaces and have a picnic (Jitlada is only a 1.5 mi/10 min drive away!) or just enjoy some urban nature. You can see the hollywood sign or take in views of Downtown or Burbank (assuming there’s no smog or wildfire smoke). Griffith Park is LA’s answer to Central Park, and good for both locals and tourists alike.
Written September 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie M
Fort Walton Beach, FL186 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
We paid the outrageous $15 per hour parking fee in order to use the trails open during COVID to hike towards the Hollywood sign. Despite all of the warnings to remain hydrated, there were ZERO places to buy water or refill bottles along the hiking trails. Rstrooms were open at the observatory level, but that was the only amenity available. Hike to the sign was fairly easy and would have been enjoyable had it not been the hottest day of the year (over 100 degrees before 11am) with no water options available. Would definately try more trails on a return trip with better planning.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
permia
Ireland66,076 contributions
Oct 2019
A vast space having so many attractions is one of the most popular destinations in LA. We approached it from Los Feliz, after visiting Lovell Health House and sundry other sights.
We enjoyed our time at the incomparable Observatory, and availed of a snack in the aptly named Cafe at the End of the Universe.
Best views of the Hollywood Sign are to be had from the Park. In the clarity of the morning sunshine it looked particularly impressive.
After strolling around we made our way to a Park exit passing the celebrated Greek Theatre.
We enjoyed our time at the incomparable Observatory, and availed of a snack in the aptly named Cafe at the End of the Universe.
Best views of the Hollywood Sign are to be had from the Park. In the clarity of the morning sunshine it looked particularly impressive.
After strolling around we made our way to a Park exit passing the celebrated Greek Theatre.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,266 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
One of my favorite places on my first trip to LA was Griffith Park so I had to bring my friends. Two of the best things to see in the park are the Griffith Observatory and Mount Hollywood, which is the peak directly opposite the observatory and one of the highest points in the Hollywood Hills, so it has great views of the city. However, Mount Hollywood is not the same peak with the sign, but you do get some great views of the sign hiking between the observatory and the peak. Also parking here, there are public restrooms before you start or when you return.
It is one of the perfect urban hikes at 2.5 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. There is also free parking if you go early before the observatory opens. We went on the last morning of our vacation so we could make the hike and get back to our hotel to shower before hotel check out. It is great exercise and the best way to start the day.
The day we hiked was not as clear as my first visit, so the views were not as crisp. Despite this the clouds and humidity, you still had great views and this time the moisture meant there was more greenery and flower for the hike. In late March the hike was cool but not cold so simply perfect. Everyone in our group of 12 loved the hike with incredible views of the observatory, downtown and the "Hollywood" sign. I cannot recommend this more, both times it was my favorite activity in LA.
It is one of the perfect urban hikes at 2.5 miles with 500 feet of elevation gain. There is also free parking if you go early before the observatory opens. We went on the last morning of our vacation so we could make the hike and get back to our hotel to shower before hotel check out. It is great exercise and the best way to start the day.
The day we hiked was not as clear as my first visit, so the views were not as crisp. Despite this the clouds and humidity, you still had great views and this time the moisture meant there was more greenery and flower for the hike. In late March the hike was cool but not cold so simply perfect. Everyone in our group of 12 loved the hike with incredible views of the observatory, downtown and the "Hollywood" sign. I cannot recommend this more, both times it was my favorite activity in LA.
Written May 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gints K
Riga, Latvia220 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Amazing Park to relax and to see Los Angelos from top. We started the trip from Los Angelos Zoo by ascending to the top of hill - there are water refill stations with fresh tasty water if you get thirsty. At the top of the hill, it was quiet, and you could relax watching eagles. As you get closer to Griffith observatory, you start to see sign of Hollywood. And from Griffith observatory there is a bus free of charge that will take you to the metro station. Griffith Park info station was kind of open, but nobody was inside, so it was more like on self-serve basis.
The fun fact - after walking and walking around the park at the end we stumbled on a sign which warned about rattle snakes in park, but we did not see any snakes.
The fun fact - after walking and walking around the park at the end we stumbled on a sign which warned about rattle snakes in park, but we did not see any snakes.
Written March 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TPAT75
Oulu, Finland171 contributions
Dec 2019
This is a great park for shorter or longer hikes and the views over LA are just great. We hiked first from the Observatory to Mt. Hollywood and from there to Mt. Lee behind the Hollywood Sign and from there down via Burbank Peak / Wonder View Trail. I totally recommend this hike but there are several other routes you can also take.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hikinghappily62
South Bend, IN96 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We landed at Burbank and this was the first place we came based on reviews. So glad we listened! It was a lovely afternoon 12/30/19 with lots of people parking and walking to see the Hollywood sign. Great views of it from the Griffith Observatory (which was closed that day). Griffith Park is amazing and so large-I’m sure we only saw a small part of it yet we parked, walked quite a ways and all the way up to the observatory. If I lived here this would be a favorite spot for me. So many little paths and hikes to explore. We loved it!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
Santa Rosa, CA3,237 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Griffith Park is a huge park in the Hollywood hills which separate central Los Angeles and Hollywood from the San Fernando Valley. It encompasses much of that range and is reputedly the largest urban park and open space in the United States. It has numerous hiking trails, trails for bicycle riding, and horseback riding, and other amenities. It also is home to the iconic Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory.
One can reach the park many ways, including by driving into the partly, but traffic and parking can be problematic. We avoid driving and take the DASH Observatory bus which makes a circuit through part of the park to and from Vermont and Sunset, where the is a Metro station, making it quite convenient to get to the park that way.
The bus stops at, among others, the Greek Theatre, Mt Hollywood Dr on the far side of the Mt. Hollywood Tunnel, and Griffith Observatory. At Mt Hollywood Dr, there is immediate access to several hiking trails which go through the park, and also Mt. Hollywood Dr, generally open only to hiking,etc., and not to automobile traffic. This is one route to take to hike to the Hollywood Sign, and connects directly to a trail which goes up above, and behind, the sign, or to the Mulholland Trail, also used for horseback tours, which takes one to just below, and in front of, the sign. Depending on how fast one does it, the hike to and from the sign, starting at the Mt. Hollywood Dr bus stop near the observatory, should probably take between about 50 minutes to an hour and half each way. The area affords nice views of Los Angeles as well.
One can reach the park many ways, including by driving into the partly, but traffic and parking can be problematic. We avoid driving and take the DASH Observatory bus which makes a circuit through part of the park to and from Vermont and Sunset, where the is a Metro station, making it quite convenient to get to the park that way.
The bus stops at, among others, the Greek Theatre, Mt Hollywood Dr on the far side of the Mt. Hollywood Tunnel, and Griffith Observatory. At Mt Hollywood Dr, there is immediate access to several hiking trails which go through the park, and also Mt. Hollywood Dr, generally open only to hiking,etc., and not to automobile traffic. This is one route to take to hike to the Hollywood Sign, and connects directly to a trail which goes up above, and behind, the sign, or to the Mulholland Trail, also used for horseback tours, which takes one to just below, and in front of, the sign. Depending on how fast one does it, the hike to and from the sign, starting at the Mt. Hollywood Dr bus stop near the observatory, should probably take between about 50 minutes to an hour and half each way. The area affords nice views of Los Angeles as well.
Written February 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stormville
New York City, NY167 contributions
Jul 2023
Griffith Park is a beautiful, and big, urban park. We took one of the many hiking trails, the Mount Hollywood trail, and I would highly recommend it. Make sure you bring enough water, food, and sun protection. The AllTrails app has the park trails in it.
Written July 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi! are there any luggage storage/lockers in the park?
Written November 8, 2018
No, Not that I am aware of.
Written November 8, 2018
Purtroppo ho problemi nel camminare... potete gentilmente dirmi se il tragitto da percorrere a piedi è lungo ?
Grazie infinite.
Written September 22, 2018
Ciao, in base alla giornata ed al numero di persone\auto presenti, potresti dover parcheggiare un po distante. Certo le cose cambiano se hai un auto col permesso per disabili, in quel caso ci sono parcheggi riservati più vicini.
Written September 24, 2018
I am planning to take the shuttle up to the observatory from Vermont/Sunset Station. Was wondering if there is public parking available at the station on a Friday. If not, what is the best place to park your car near the station?
Written May 4, 2018
Hi, my wife and I want to visit Griffith Park in May 2018. We are not great walkers. Is there a possibility to take a taxi from the nearest Metro station as we will not be having a car?
Written January 30, 2018
As I always say - check the web site!!
There are full details of the 'shuttle bus' service there - I quote
"The easiest option to visit the Griffith Observatory or to hike to a view of the Hollywood Sign will be to use public transit, the DASH Observatory shuttle, which is available 7 days a week Avoid the hassle of traffic congestion and parking fees and use public transit. It is fast and convenient. DASH Observatory is the official transit provider into Griffith Park. it connects at the Sunset/Vermont Metro station and makes stops through Los Feliz village, The Greek Theatre, Mt Hollywood hiking trail and the front lawn of the Griffith Observatory"
Any help?
The Observatory is a fantastic place to visit - as is the whole park - have a great time.
Written January 31, 2018
Can you enter from the very bottom of the park and hike your way up to the observatory?
Written September 19, 2017
Yes. Others seem to have given the information!
Written September 19, 2017
Can you enter from the very bottom of the park and hike your way up to the observatory?
Written September 19, 2017
Yes, I actually came in through the south end on my visit and followed a well defined trail up to the observatory. Its an easy to follow path.
Written September 19, 2017
How do I get from Griifith Park Observatory to the LA Zoo by bus ?
Written September 5, 2017
Griffith park is massive so I'd recommend using uber/lyft to get around from wherever you are finished to LA Zoo! There are buses that run down Los Feliz blvd but it depends on where you're finishing up in the park!
Written September 5, 2017
Yes and much more.. I saw families having picnics. Just try to have as mush disposal items so you are not weighed down on your hike
Written July 7, 2017
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